Chiral phosphorus compound

ABSTRACT

Methods of making a chiral phosphorus compound of formula (X) are disclosed: 
                         
wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3  are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain, branched-chain or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic groups and in which the pair R 1 /R 2  may be interconnected to form a ring.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/531,986, filed Jun. 25, 2012, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/444,289, filed Jun. 4, 2010, which is a U.S. National Phase application of PCT/GB2007/050602, filed Oct. 1, 2007, and claims priority of British Patent Application No. 0619494.8, filed Oct. 3, 2006, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel chiral phosphorus compounds that can be readily prepared from quinoline derivatives, and their use as catalysts or catalyst components in processes for the preparation of optically active products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chiral phosphorus compounds are of great interest as catalysts or catalyst components (“ligands”) for the enantioselective chemical synthesis of optically active products (Handbook of Enantioselective Catalysis with Transition Metal Compounds, Vol. II, VCH, Weinheim, 1993). Optically active products are of great economic importance as flavouring agents, cosmetics, plant protectants, food additives, pharmaceuticals, or in the preparation of high-tech materials, such as special plastics (Comprehensive Asymmetric Catalysis, Springer, Berlin, 1999). To date, despite of the wide variety of known chiral phosphorus compounds, only a few members have been put to use in industrial processes for the preparation of optically active products, because many ligands have serious disadvantages for technical applications. Many ligands, although exhibiting high enantioselectivities, form the desired chiral products with too low activities or insufficient chemo- or regioselectivities. Further, chiral phosphorus compounds which act as efficient ligands are often available only by tedious syntheses using expensive starting materials. In most efficient ligands, the chiral information which results in the selective formation of the optically active products is based on the use of chiral building blocks which are either derived from naturally occurring compounds or otherwise commercially available in an optically pure form. A structural variation in the chiral centre for optimising the phosphorus compound cannot be realized in a simple way in this case, and often only one of the two possible configurations is available. Therefore, there is a great need for novel chiral phosphorus compounds which can be synthesized in a simple and flexible way from readily available and inexpensive starting compounds and can be effectively employed as catalysts or catalyst components for the preparation of chiral products in various types of reaction.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,720,281 describes novel phosphorus compounds derived from quinoline derivatives. These ligands are effective in many circumstances, however the remains a need to provide alternative quinoline-based compounds that may be used in asymmetric catalysts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel class of chiral phosphorus compounds of general formula (I)

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ are chiral or achiral organic residues which are derived from substituted or unsubstituted straight or branched chain or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic groups and which, in the case of the pairs R¹/R² and R⁴/R⁵, may be interconnected. These compounds can be prepared simply and in few steps from derivatives of quinoline as inexpensive starting materials. The chiral information in the 2-position of the quinoline skeleton, which is critical to the selective formation of the desired optically active products, is produced during the synthesis and can be easily varied by selecting R³. The two isomers with the different configurations in the 2-position can be effectively separated from each other. The compounds of formula (I) can be employed as efficient catalysts or catalyst components in the preparation of optically active products, wherein high activities and selectivities are achieved especially in enantioselective hydroformylation and hydrogenation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The synthesis of compound (I) can be accomplished by a variety of synthetic approaches. In one embodiment, the synthesis of compounds (I) may proceed via the “Quinaphos” compounds (VI). Synthesis of the “Quinaphos” compounds (VI) may conveniently start from 8-phosphinoquinolines (II) as follows; (see Scheme 1).

It will be understood that, in the depictions herein, where R³ is connected by a curly line (˜) both enantiomers may be present. Compounds (II) are already known and different residues R¹ and R² and can be easily prepared on a multigram scale via different routes (typical examples: Inorg. Chem. 1982, 21, 1007; J. Organomet. Chem. 1997, 535, 183). By means of these syntheses and suitable simple modifications, compounds of formula (II) can be prepared in which R¹ or R² are the same or different chiral or achiral organic residues which are derived from substituted or unsubstituted straight or branched chain or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic groups and may be interconnected. Residues R¹ and R² can be independently selected from the groups methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, hexyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n)— (m=1-10, n=0-4), cyclo-hexyl, menthyl, allyl, benzyl, CH₃O(CH₂)₂OCH₂—, phenyl, tolyl, anisyl, trifluoro-methylphenyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n)C₆H₄— (M=1-10, n=0-4), bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, chlorophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, hydroxyphenyl, carboxyphenyl, NaO₃SC₆H₄—, naphthyl, fluorenyl, pyridyl or furyl, the groups mentioned not being intended to imply any limitation to the scope of application. When the two groups are interconnected, there may be formed substituted or unsubstituted chiral or achiral bridges which are derived, for example, from the skeletons —(CH₂)_(n)— (n=2-4), —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂ CH(CH₃)—, 1,1′-bipheny-2,2′diyl or 1,1′-binaphth-2,2′-diyl, again no limitation being implied by this listing.

The reaction of compound (II) with nucleophilic reagents R³M yields compounds (III), wherein R³ refers to the same definition as R¹ or R². The addition in 2-position of the quinoline can be accomplished with Grignard compounds (M=MgHal, Hal=halogen) and many other organometallic compounds (e.g., M=Li, ZnR, SnR₃, SiR₃; R=alkyl or aryl residue), so that a wide variety of possible derivatives results. The addition in 2-position of the quinoline produces a chiral centre, the stereochemistry at this centre not being defined in the absence of an additional chiral auxiliary or catalyst. In the presence of a chiral auxiliary or catalyst, the addition of R³M may performed in an enantioselective manner (e.g. see F. Amiot, L. Cointeaux, E. J. Silve, A. Alexakis Tetrahedron 2004, 60, 8221-8231; L. Cointeaux, A. Alexakis Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 2005, 16, 925-929). Enantioselective addition may be achieved also using chiral reagents (see e.g. R. Yamaguchi, M. Tanaka, T. Matsuda, T. Okano, T. Nagura, K. Fujita Tetrahedron Letters 2002, 43, 8871-8874).

Compounds (III) may be converted to the 1,2-dihydroquinoline derivatives (IV) by hydrolysis using e.g. water or aqueous acid. Reaction with chlorophosphinites (R⁴O)(R⁵O)PCl in the presence of bases such as triethylamine or pyridine yields the desired phosphorus compounds of formula (VI). An alternative approach depicted above is the reaction of compound (III) with PCl₃ to form the dichlorophosphine derivatives (V). A further approach, not depicted, is the reaction of compound (III) with P(NEt₂)₂Cl or P(NMe₂)₂Cl to form the bis(di-ethylamino)phosphine or bis(di-methylamino)phosphine derivatives, respectively, which upon reaction with alcohols or diols again yields compounds (VI). Compounds (III) can also be reacted directly with chloro-phosphinites (R⁴O)(R⁵O)PCl without further addition of bases to (VI).

The residues R⁴ and R⁵ may be the same or different, achiral or chiral, and may be interconnected. Otherwise, the residues have the same definition as residues R¹ and R². Examples of alcohols and diols which may be used for the preparation of the corresponding compounds (R⁴O)(R⁵O)PCl or directly reacted with compounds (V) include methanol, ethanol, iso-propanol, benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol, allyl alcohol, phenol, methylphenol, chlorophenol, naphthol, furfurol, ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-pentanediol, cyclohexanediol, glycerol, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, catechol, 2,2′-dihydroxy-1,1′-biphenyl, 3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-2,2′-dihydroxy-1,1′-biphenyl,3,3′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dimethoxy-1,1′-biphenyl,5,5′-dichloro-4,4′,6,6′-tetramethyl-2,2′-dihydroxy-1,1′-biphenyl or 2,2′-dihydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl, the listing not being intended to imply any limitation to the scope of application.

When optically active (R⁴O)(R⁵O)P groups are used, compounds (VI) are obtained as diastereomers which can be separated by crystallization, chromatography or other suitable separation methods. Alternatively, the separation of the two stereoisomers can be effected on the stage of the 1,2-dihydroquinoline derivatives (IV), which can be resolved by conventional methods into enantiomers (IVa) and (IVb) (see, for example, Tetrahedron Asymmetry 1999, 10, 1079).

In one embodiment, synthesis of (I) may be by hydrogenation of a 1,2-dihydroquinoline ring (see Scheme 2).

Hence compounds of formula (I) may be prepared from the “Quinaphos” compounds (VI) by selective hydrogenation of the double bond in the dihydroquinoline ring in the presence of known heterogeneous hydrogenation catalysts, e.g. palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium supported on carbon, alumina, silica etc. Suitable catalysts are described in the Johnson Matthey Technical Handbook 2005. Alternatively hydrogenation may be accomplished using homogeneous hydrogenation catalysts that are known to reduce carbon-carbon double bonds, such as iridium complexes bearing phosphine-oxazoline ligands, Crabtree catalyst, rhodium complexes bearing ferrocenyl and paracylophane-based diphosphines etc. Suitable catalysts are described in X. Cui, K. Burgess Chem. Rev. 2005, 105, 3272. Heterogeneous catalysts of palladium may be particularly suited to achieve the desired transformation. All above-mentioned hydrogenation procedures may require the protection of the phosphine and phosphoramidite groups e.g. as the corresponding BH₃-derivatives. Compounds (I) are then obtained after removal of the BH₃ protecting groups e.g. with an amine.

Alternatively, the selective hydrogenation of the carbon-carbon double bond of the dihydroquinoline ring may be applied to intermediate compound (IV). The resulting compound (X) may be easily transformed into compound (I) by the same procedure used to prepare “Quinaphos” compound (VI).

Accordingly the invention further provides the intermediate chiral phosphorus compound of formula (X):

wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain, branched-chain or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic groups and in which the pair R¹/R² may be interconnected to form a ring.

The selective hydrogenation of the carbon-carbon double bond of the 1,2-dihydroquinoline ring can also be performed on intermediates (VIII), prepared from starting material (VII), bearing in position 8 of the dihydroquinoline ring a group X that is a precursor of the phosphine substituent (such as bromide, chloride, iodide, hydroxy, alkoxy, trifloromethylsulphonyloxy etc). Compounds (VII) are readily available or may be synthesized from quinoline using known methods. The transformation of compounds (VIII) and (IX) into compounds (IV) and (X) respectively, may require the protection of the secondary amine by standard methods before the phosphine group R¹R²P— is introduced in position 8 via a sequence of lithiation and reaction with the appropriate chloro-phosphine electrophyle or via coupling with an appropriate phosphorus containing compound in the presence of a transition metal catalyst. For example, Pd or Ni-catalysed coupling with secondary phosphines is described in A. Stadler, C. O. Kappe Org. Lett 2002, 4, 3541; D. Cai et al. J. Org. Chem 1994, 59, 7180; J. Xiao et al. Tetrahedron 2004, 60, 4159; copper catalysed coupling with secondary phosphines and phosphates is described in D. Gelman, L. Jiang, S. L. Buchwald: Org. Lett. 2003, 5, 2315; D. Van Allen, D. Venkataraman J. Org. Chem. 2003, 68, 4590; and nickel catalysed coupling with chlorophosphines is described in S. Lanemann et al. Chem. Commun. 1997, 2359; and references therein.

The selective hydrogenation of the carbon-carbon double bond of the 1,2-dihydroquinoline ring does not affect the obtainment of enantiomerically enriched compound (Ia) and (Ib) since the resolution of racemic (I) can be achieved at any stage of the synthetic pathways here described. The residue R³, in this route, may be introduced by nucleophilic addition to the quinoline ring as previously disclosed in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 6,720,281.

In an alternative embodiment, synthesis of the compound of formula (I) may be by asymmetric hydrogenation of the quinoline ring (see Scheme 3). Hence quinolines (XII) can be selectively hydrogenated in the presence of homogeneous transition metal, particularly iridium, hydrogenation catalysts bearing one or more chiral ligands, such as diphosphine or phosphorus-nitrogen ligands, and iodine to produce enantiomerically enriched intermediates (Xa) or (Xb). A suitable method is disclosed by W-B. Wang, S-M. Lu, P-Y. Yang, X-W. Han, Y-G. Zhou J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2003, 125, 10536 and W. H. Lam, S. Chan, W.-Y. Yu, Y.-M. Li, R. Guo, Z. Zhou, A. S. C. Chan J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 5955-5965.

It is possible that the phosphine group in position 8 of the quinoline may interact with the homogeneous transition metal catalyst and that this interaction may, in some cases, inhibit the hydrogenation. To avoid this problem the asymmetric hydrogenation may be performed on intermediates (XI) bearing in position 8 of the dihydroquinoline ring a group X that is a precursor of the phosphine substituents (such as bromide, chloride, iodide, hydroxy, alkoxy, trifloromethylsulphonyloxy etc). The resulting compounds (IXa) and (IXb) may be transformed into compound (I) by via known synthetic transformations. Alternatively, the interference of phosphine group in the intermediate (XII) during the hydrogenation may be avoided by transforming it into the corresponding oxide or protecting it as BH₃-adduct. After partial hydrogenation of the quinoline ring, reduction of the phosphine oxide group back to phosphine group using known procedures (e.g. with trichlorosilane) or treatment of the BH₃-adduct with an amine, generates compounds (IXa) and (IXb).

In alternative to metal catalysed hydrogenation, enantioselective Brønsted acid catalysed transfer hydrogenation may be also used as reported by M. Rueping, A. P. Antonchick, T. Theissmann Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2006, 45, 3683-3686.

This synthetic approach has the advantage of fixing the stereogenic center in position 2 without the need of the resolution of racemic (I) or any of the intermediates leading to (I). Another advantage of this route is that the residue R³ is already present in the quinoline ring. Quinolines (XI) substituted in position 2 can be prepared by a variety of methods such as the Skraup-Doebner-Von Miller quinoline synthesis (review: N. L. Allinger, G. L. Wang, B. B. Dewhurst J. Org. Chem 1974, 12, 1730; S. E. Denmark, S. Venkatraman J. Org. Chem 2006, 7, 1668) and Friedlander reaction. New efficient iridium and ruthenium catalysed cyclisation reactions to form 2-substituted quinolines have recently been reported in the literature (K. Taguchi, S. Sakaguchi, Y. Ishii Tetrahedron Letters 2005, 4539 and references therein).

Compounds (VIII) and (IX) may be synthesised from readily available aniline compounds as follows; (see Scheme 4).

The acyclic intermediates (XIV) may be readily synthesised from compounds (XIII) using a R³-functional carboxylic acid, ester or chloride of formula R⁷OCHR³CH₂COOR⁶ in which R⁶ may be H, Cl or C1-C10 alkyl (aliphatic, branched or cyclic, including benzyl) and R⁷ may be C1-C10 alkyl (aliphatic, branched or cyclic, including benzyl), Tosyl, Mesyl, Triflate, Acetyl, H or a silyl protecting group such as TMS. The cyclisation to (XV) may be accomplished by standard transformations. Compound (XV) may be reduced to a benzylic alcohol (XVI) that will give intermediates (VIII) and (IX) using steps of elimination/hydrogenation or hydrogenolysis of benzylic alcohol. Aromatic ketones can be hydrogenated to the corresponding alcohols in the presence of a variety of heterogeneous catalysts (for example, palladium on carbon, Johnson Matthey Technical Handbook 2005) or homogeneous catalysts (for example, ruthenium or rhodium or iridium complexes) with both hydrogen gas or hydrogen donors such as formic acid, sodium formate etc, (Johnson Matthey Technical Handbook 2005, R. Noyori, T. Ohkuma Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2001, 40, 40; T. Ikariya, K. Murata, R. Noyori Org. Biomol. Chem. 2006, 4, 393). Hydrogenolysis in the presence of heterogeneous hydrogenation catalysts is favoured by acid conditions, elevated temperatures and protic solvents and will lead directly to compound (IX) without any need of isolating intermediate (VIII).

Intermediates (VIII) and (IX) may be transformed into compound (I) via known synthetic transformations (for example, as described in J. March Advanced Organic Chemistry, Wiley 1992.

Compounds (Ia) and (Ib) can then be obtained in enantiomerically pure form by resolution of any of the intermediates.

Scheme 5 describes an alternative synthesis based on the concept of building the tetrahydroquinoline ring.

This approach makes use of intermediates (XVIII) or (XXI) where a chiral auxiliary, preferably a chiral amine of formula H₂NCH(CH₃)Ar, in which Ar is an aryl group, such as 2-phenyl-ethylamine, 2-naphtylethylamine has been introduced by coupling on the readily available starting materials (XVII) or (XX). By the term “aryl” we include phenyl, naphthyl and substituted phenyl and naphthyl compounds, such as tolyl or xylyl. In compounds (XVII) and (XX) X may be selected from bromide, chloride, iodide, hydroxy, alkoxy, tosylate, mesylate, nonaflate, fluoride or triflate and Y may be selected from fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, tosyl, mesyl, triflate, nonaflate etc. By using Buchwald-Hartwig coupling chemistry (e.g. see J. F. Hartwig et al. J. Org. Chem. 1999, 64, 5575; S. L. Buchwald et al. J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 1158; S. L. Buchwald et al. J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65, 1144) enantiomerically pure amines can be coupled with aryl-halides and triflates, tosylates, mesylates etc., without loss of enantiomeric purity. Alternatively, the desired compounds may be obtained via Ulmann coupling (e.g. see D. Ma et al. Org. Lett. 2003, 5, 2453).

Compounds (XVIII) or (XXI) may be added to a suitable unsaturated ester with high diatereoselectivity, preferably of formula R³CH═CHCOOR⁶, in which R⁶ is H, C1 or C1-C10 alkyl, preferably C1-10 alkyl. (This method is described for example in S. G. Davies, O. Ichihara Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 1996, 7, 1919). In this case, this procedure may set in place the stereogenic centre in position 2 in high enantiomeric purity

Intermediates (XIX) and (XXII) may be transformed into compounds (X) and (I) (here Xb and Ib) via known synthetic transformations. The N-debenzylation may be achieved in one vessel using the same heterogeneous hydrogenation catalysts employed for the reduction of the ketone and hydrogenolysis of derived benzylic alcohol. Alternatively, different catalysts may be employed. Acidic solvents such as acetic acid or buffered solvents are desirable to prevent inhibition of the catalyst.

Alternatively, as described in Scheme 6, starting materials (XVII) or (XX) can be coupled with enantiomerically pure β-aminoesters. (A suitable method is described in D. Ma, C. Xia Org. Lett. 2001, 3, 2583).

In this case, the desired stereochemistry of position 2 is obtained by the use of readily available enantiomerically pure synthons such as β-aminoesters and acids, preferably of formula H₂NCHR³CH₂COOR⁶ in which R⁶ may be H or C1-10 alkyl. The resulting enantiomerically pure compounds (XIVa), (XIVb), (XXIIIa) and (XXIIIb) may be cyclised and reduced to the dehydroquinoline following known chemical transformations.

Enantiomerically pure intermediates (X) or (IX) can be synthesised starting from (XXIV) or (XXVII) as shown in Scheme 7 (for (IXb) and (Xb)) and then further converted to (I) as described in Scheme 3. The reaction sequence is based on a report of C. Theeraladanon, M. Arisawa, M. Nakagawa, A. Nishida Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 2005, 16, 827-831. This includes a Mitsunobu coupling of (XXIV) or (XXVII) with readily available enantiomerically pure allylic alcohols to form compounds (XXV) and (XXVIII), respectively, followed by a ring closing metathesis (RCM) to yield (XXVI) and (XXIX), respectively. Reduction of the C═C double bond (described in Scheme 2) and cleavage of the tosyl group gives access to (IX) and (X) from (XXVI) and (XXIX), respectively. In some cases, could be more convenient to perform the last two steps in inverted order, i.e. before the cleavage of the tosyl group and then reduction of the C═C double bond. Compounds (IX) may be phosphorylated as shown in Scheme 3 or alternatively, compounds (XXVI) may be phosphorylated to form compounds (XXIX).

Accordingly, the invention further provides a method for preparing a compound of formula (I) as defined herein, comprising the step of selectively hydrogenating a compound of formula (VI) to hydrogenate the carbon-carbon double bond in the dihydroquinoline ring.

The invention further provides a method for preparing a compound of formula (I) as defined herein, comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula (X) with (R⁵O)(R⁴O)PCl.

Compound (X) may be prepared by selectively hydrogenating a compound of formula (IV) to hydrogenate the carbon-carbon double bond in the 1,2-dihydroquinoline ring

Alternatively, compound (X) may be prepared by selectively hydrogenating a compound of formula (VIII), in which X is a group selected from bromide, chloride, iodide, hydroxy, alkoxy, mesylate, tosylate, nonaflate or triflate, to hydrogenate the carbon-carbon double bond in the dihydroquinoline ring to form a compound of formula (IX) and phosphorylating the compound of formula (IX) with a phosphorylating compound.

By “phosphorylating compound” we mean those phosphorus compounds able to displace X with the R¹R²P— moiety.

Alternatively compound (X) may be made in enantiomerically enriched form by asymmetrically hydrogenating a compound of formula (XII) in the presence of a homogeneous transition metal hydrogenation catalyst having one or more chiral ligand to produce enantiomerically enriched intermediates of formula (Xa) or (Xb).

Compounds (Xa) or (Xb) may alternatively be prepared by asymmetrically hydrogenating a compound of formula (XI), in which X is a group selected from bromide, chloride, iodide, hydroxy, alkoxy, mesylate, tosylate, nonaflate or triflate, in the presence of a homogeneous transition metal hydrogenation catalyst having one or more chiral ligand to produce enantiomerically enriched intermediates (IXa or IXb), and reacting intermediates (IXa) or (IXb) with a phosphorylating compound.

Compounds (Xa) or (Xb) may alternatively be prepared by hydrogenating a ketone compound of formula (XXII).

Compounds (Xa) or (Xb) may alternatively be prepared by;

-   (i) performing a ring closing metathesis on compounds of formula     (XXVb) or (XXVa) to form compounds (XXVIb) or (XXVIa), respectively, -   (ii) cleaving the tosyl group to form compounds (VIIIb) or (VIIIa)     respectively, -   (iii) hydrogenating compounds (VIIIb) or (VIIIa) to form compounds     (IXb) or (IXa) respectively, and -   (iv) phosphorylating compounds (IXb) or (IXa) with a phosphorylating     compound to form compounds (Xb) or (Xa), respectively. Steps ii, iii     and iv may be performed in different order.

Compounds (Xa) or (Xb) may alternatively be prepared by;

-   (i) performing a ring closing metathesis of compounds of formula     (XXVIIIb) or (XXVIIIa) to form compounds (XXIXb) or (XXIXa),     respectively, -   (ii) cleaving the tosyl group to form compounds (IVb) or (IVa),     respectively, and -   (iii) hydrogenating compounds (IVb) or (IVa), to form compounds (Xb)     or (Xa), respectively. Steps ii and iii may be performed in reverse     order.

The chiral phosphorus compounds (I) can be used in an optically pure form, as a mixture of diastereomers or in the form of the pure diastereomers as effective catalysts or catalyst components in the synthesis of optically active products. Particularly preferred are syntheses in which compounds of formula (I) are employed as components (“ligands”) of transition metal catalysts. Such catalysts contain one or more transition metal centres which may be the same or different. Preferred metals include Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pd, Pt, Co, Rh, Ir, Fe, Ru, Os, Mn, Re, Cr, Mo, W, Ti or Zr. Particularly preferred are Cu, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir or Ru.

The catalysts may be employed in the form of isolated compounds which already contain the metal and the ligand (I), or may be formed in situ from ligand (I) and suitable metal-containing components. As the metal-containing components, the metals themselves, simple salts or complex compounds of the corresponding metals can be used. The molar ratio between the ligand (I) and the metal centre can be optimally adapted for the respective reaction and is usually between 1:1 and 10:1.

The catalytic syntheses using the ligands (I) can be performed in either absence or presence of a solvent, wherein the solvent can have a positive influence on activity or enantioselectivity, or can facilitate the separation of the product and catalyst. As the solvent, typical organic solvents, such as benzene, toluene, methylene chloride, ethanol, methanol, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, methyl, t-butyl ether or ionic liquids may be used. Water is also suitable as a solvent when the ligand is sufficiently soluble in water due to suitable polar substituents (e.g., COON, NH³⁺, SO³⁻, see Angew. Chem. 1993, 105, 1588). The reactions may also be performed in supercritical carbon dioxide as the solvent if adequate solubility is ensured by suitable substituents (e.g., perfluoroalkyl residues, see PCT application WO 98/32533). To facilitate separation from the reaction products, the ligands (I) can be bound to solid supports using known methods (adsorption, inclusion, covalent bonding: Synthesis 1997, 1217). Product from catalyst separation can be achieved by running the reactions under biphasic conditions (e.g see Multiphase Homogeneous Catalysis, Eds.: B. Cornils, W. A. Herrmann, D. Vogt, I. Horvath, H. Olivier-Bourbigon, W. Leitner, S. Mecking; Wiley-VCH, 2005) or by selectively extracting the products with an additional solvent after the reaction. The scope of application of ligands (I) includes asymmetric reductions (e.g., hydrogenation, transfer hydrogenation), asymmetric carbon-carbon bond formation (e.g., hydroformylation, Heck coupling, allylic alkylation, hydrocyanation, hydrovinylation, polymerization) and asymmetric bond formation between carbon and heteroatoms (e.g., hydroboration, hydrosilylation, hydroamination, hydrophosphination and hydrophosphorylation).

Enantioselective hydroformylation is an efficient method for the synthesis of chiral, non-racemic aldehydes from olefins (Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis, Ed.: I. Ojima, VCH, Weinheim, 1993, pages 273ff). This type of reaction has met with great interest especially as a possible approach to chiral building blocks for the production of flavouring agents, cosmetics, plant protectants, food additives (vitamins) and pharmaceuticals (Chirality 1991, 3, 355). In particular, there may be mentioned the preparation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs ibuprofen and naproxen by oxidation of the corresponding aldehydes, which can be obtained from vinyl arenes by means of enantioselective hydroformylation. In addition to enantioselectivity, in this reaction, chemoselectivity (side reaction is predominantly hydrogenation) and regioselectivity in favour of the branched chiral aldehyde are of particular importance. Preferred catalysts for the hydroformylation are formed on the basis of the metals Fe, Co, Ir, Ru, Pt, Rh, more preferably on the basis of Pt and Rh. The molar ratio of ligand/metal should be between 1:1 and 10:1, preferably between 1:1 and 4:1. The molar ratio of substrate and catalyst can be widely varied, and preferably a ratio of between 100:1 and 10,000:1 may be used. The gases hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be added to the reactor either separately or as a mixture. The partial pressure of the individual gases is within a range of from 1 to 100 bar. The total pressure of synthesis gas can be within a range of from 1 to 200 bar, preferably within a range of from 10 to 100 bar. The reaction temperature can be widely varied and is between −20° C. and 150° C., preferably between 20° C. and 80° C.

Enantioselective hydrogenation is an efficient method for the synthesis of chiral, non-racemic organic compounds (Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis, Ed.: I. Ojima, VCH, Weinheim, 1993, pages 1ff), which is of great importance, in particular, to the preparation of biologically active substances. Enantioselective hydrogenation is known for a wide variety of functional groups, especially for substrates with prochiral C═C, C═N or C═O double bonds. The hydrogenation of dehydroamino acids is an attractive approach to natural and non-natural amino acids and has already found a technical application, for example, in the preparation of L-Dopa, a medicament against Parkinson's disease (Topics in Catalysis 1998, 5, 3). Preferred catalysts for hydrogenation with ligands of the present invention are formed on the basis of the metals Pd, Pt, Co, Ir, Rh and Ru. The molar ratio of ligand/metal should be between 1:1 and 10:1, preferably between 1:1 and 2.5:1. The molar ratio of substrate and catalyst can be widely varied and is preferably between 100:1 and 100,000:1. The partial pressure of hydrogen during hydrogenation should be within a range of from 0.3 to 200 bar, preferably between 10 and 100 bar. The reaction temperature can be widely varied and is between −20° C. and 150° C., preferably between 20° C. and 60° C.

In transfer hydrogenation a hydrogen donor such as isopropanol or formic acid may be used with catalysts of the type [(sulphonylated diamine) RuCl (arene)] for the reduction of carbonyl groups. Phosphorus compound-containing catalysts according to the present invention may also be used. This technology provides a powerful complement to catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation. Transfer hydrogenation, in fact, is particularly suitable for the asymmetric reduction of ketones that are difficult substrates for hydrogenation, such as acetylenic ketones and cyclic ketones.

Enantioselective hydroboration is a typical example of a reaction with formation of a carbon-heteroatom bond. It has met with great interest since the boranes produced are interesting intermediates for further syntheses (e.g., formation of chiral alcohols, carbon-carbon bond formation, etc.) (Tetrahedron 1997, 53, 4957). In addition to the enantioselectivity of the carbon-boron bond formation, chemoselectivity (side reaction is predominantly reduction) and regioselectivity are also important characteristics of this reaction. Preferred catalysts for the hydroboration with ligands (I) are formed on the basis of Rh. The molar ratio of ligand/metal should be between 1:1 and 4:1, preferably between 1:1 and 2:1. The molar ratio of substrate and catalyst can be widely varied and is preferably between 100:1 and 10,000:1. The reaction temperature can be widely varied and is between −80° C. and 100° C., preferably between 20° C. and 80° C.

The invention is further illustrated by reference to the following Examples.

Anhydrous solvents were purchased from Fluke and used as received in SureSeal™ bottles over molecular sieves. All reagents were purchased from commercial sources and used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 8-Diphenylphosphino-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (7)

(a) synthesis of 8-Diphenylphoshinoquinoline (1)

To a stirred solution of 8-bromoquinoline (20.8 g, 100 mmol) in dry THF (200 mL) under nitrogen was added n-BuLi (62.5 mL, 1.6 M in hexanes, 100 mmol) at −78° C. and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. Chlorodiphenylphosphine (17.9 mL, 100 mmol) was then added and the solution was allowed to warm up to room temperature and stirred for 2 h. The solution was then cooled to −78° C. and quenched by addition of saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (100 mL). After warming up to room temperature, the solution was filtered, the precipitated solid collected, taken up in CH₂Cl₂ (200 mL) and filtered over silica gel eluting with further portions of CH₂Cl₂ (4×200 mL). The combined filtrates were evaporated to give 1 as a light yellow solid (19 g, 60% yield). ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.37 (dd, 1H, J=4.0, 1.6 Hz, C²—H), 8.17 (dd, 1H, J=8.0, 1.6 Hz, C³—H), 7.82 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C⁵—H), 7.44 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C⁶—H), 7.40 (dd, 1H, J=8.0, 4.0 Hz, C⁴—H), 7.3-7.2 (m, 10H, Ph-H), 7.14 (ddd, 1H, J=7.2, 3.6, 1.6 Hz, C⁷—H) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 149.8, 149.6 (d, J=17.2 Hz), 138.4 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 137.4 (d, J=11.1 Hz), 136.2, 134.4, 134.2 (d, J=21.2 Hz), 128.8, 128.4 (d, J=19.2), 127.9, 126.57, 121.41 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 15.0 ppm.

b) Synthesis 8-Diphenylphosphino-2-methyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (2)

To a stirred solution of 8-diphenylphoshinoquinoline (1) (10 g, 31.95 mmol) in dry THF (150 mL) under nitrogen was added MeLi (39.9 mL, 1.6 M in diethyl ether, 1 mmol) at −78° C. and the solution was stirred at 0° C. for 10 minutes. The solution was cooled down to −78° C., saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (100 mL) was added and the mixture was warmed to room temperature. Products were extracted with EtOAc, washed with water and saturated aqueous NaCl, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give 2 as a yellow oil, which solidified on standing (10.5 g, quantitative). ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.4-7.25 (m, 10H, Ph-H), 6.86 (dd, 1H, J=7.2, 1.2, C⁵—H), 6.63 (ddd, 1H, J=7.6, 6.0, 1.6 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.49 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C⁶—H), 6.29 (d, 1H, J=9.6 Hz, C⁴—H), 5.54 (ddd, 1H, J=10.0, 4.0, 2.0 Hz, C³—H), 4.71 (d, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, N¹—H), 4.35 (m, 1H, C²—H), 1.15 (d, 3H, J=6.4 Hz, C^(1′)—CH₃) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 147.0 (d, J=18.2 Hz), 135.5 (d, J=13.1 Hz), 135.4 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 134.2 (d, J=5.1 Hz), 133.4 (d, J=18.2 Hz), 133.3 (d, J=18.2 Hz), 128.5 (d, J=11.1 Hz), 128.4 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 128.0, 117.0, 116.1, 48.2, 24.2 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −23.2 ppm.

c) Conversion of (2) to 8-Diphenylphosphinoyl-2-methyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (5)

To a solution of 8-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (2) (10.5 g, 32 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was added H₂O₂ (6.6 mL, 30% w/w in H₂O, 63.9 mmol) at 0° C. and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The solution was then cooled to 0° C., saturated aqueous Na₂SO₃ solution (10 mL) was added and the mixture was warmed to room temperature. Products were extracted with EtOAc, washed with water and saturated aqueous NaCl, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give 5 as a yellow oil (11 g, quantitative). ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.7-7.6 (m, 4H, Ph-H), 7.6-7.5 (m, 2H, Ph-H), 7.5-7.4 (m, 4H, Ph-H), 6.97 (bs, 1H, N¹—H), 6.87 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C⁵—H), 6.55 (ddd, 1H, J=14.0, 8.0, 1.6 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.36 (ddd, 1H, J=10.0, 7.6, 2.8 Hz, C⁶—H), 6.22 (d, 1H, J=10.0 Hz, C⁴—H), 5.51 (ddd, 1H, J=10.0, 4.0, 2.0 Hz, C³—H), 4.43 (m, 1H, C²—H), 1.17 (d, 3H, J=6.8 Hz, C¹—CH₃) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 148.2 (d, J=5.1 Hz), 146.0 (d, J=6.1 Hz), 135.7 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 134.8, 132.4, 131.3 (d, J=5.1 Hz), 131.0 (d, J=11.1 Hz), 130.8 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 130.7 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 130.1, 129.2, 127.2 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 126.6 (d, J=13.1 Hz), 126.3, 125.0 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 124.1 (d, J=13.1 Hz), 122.8, 121.1, 119.7 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 113.6 (d, J=14.1 Hz), 107.3, 106.2, 46.9, 23.5 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 36.0 ppm.

d) Conversion of (5) to 8-Diphenylphosphinoyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (6)

A suspension of 8-diphenylphosphinoyl-2-methyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (5) (11 g, 32 mmol) and Pd/C (1.1 g, 10 wt %) in MeOH (40 mL) was stirred under H₂ at 145 psi pressure for 16 hours. The mixture was then diluted with EtOAc (200 mL) and filtered over celite (˜25 mL). The filtrate was then evaporated to give compound 6 as a yellow oil (11.2 g, quantitative). ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.7-7.6 (m, 4H, Ph-H), 7.6-7.5 (m, 2H, Ph-H), 7.5-7.4 (m, 4H, Ph-H), 7.03 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C⁵—H), 6.87 (bs, 1H, N¹—H), 6.58 (dd, 1H, J=14.0, 7.2 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.39 (ddd, 1H, J=10.4, 7.2, 2.8 Hz, C⁶—H), 3.5-3.4 (m, 1H, C²—H), 2.8-2.7 (m, 2H, C⁴—H), 1.9-1.8 (m, 1H, C^(3a)—H), 1.6-1.4 (m, 1H, C^(3b)—H), 1.13 (d, 3H, J=6.4 Hz, C^(1′)—CH₃) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 148.9, 132.0 (d, J=11.1 Hz), 131.5, 131.0 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 130.7 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 130.6 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 130.4 (d, J=6.1 Hz), 130.3 (d, J=6.1 H), 130.1 (d, J=11.1 Hz), 127.0 (d, J=13.1 Hz), 126.9 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 120.4 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 112.5 (d, J=14.1 Hz), 107.9, 106.9, 45.4, 27.4, 25.5, 20.9 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 36.4 ppm.

e) Conversion of (6) to 8-Diphenylphosphino-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (7)

To a solution of 8-diphenylphosphinoyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (6) (1.5 g, 4.5 mmol) in dry degassed toluene (40 mL) was added degassed Et₃N (3.15 mL, 22.5 mmol) followed by trichlorosilane (2.25 mL, 22.5 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 30 minutes before cautiously adding 2N NaOH (150 mL) and cooling down to room temperature. Products were then extracted with EtOAc, washed with water and saturated aqueous NaCl, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a yellow oil. This oil was taken up in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL), and filtered over silica gel (˜25 mL) eluting with further portions of CH₂Cl₂ (4×100 mL). The combined filtrates were then evaporated to give compound 7 (1.2 g) as a light yellow oil in 80% yield. ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.4-7.3 (m, 10H, Ph-H), 6.99 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C⁵—H), 6.62 (ddd, 1H, J=7.2, 6.0, 1.2 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.52 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C⁶—H), 4.65 (bs, 1H, N¹—H), 3.4-3.3 (m, 1H, C²—H), 2.9-2.7 (m, 2H, C^(4a/b)—H), 2.0-1.9 (m, 1H, C^(3a)—H), 1.6-1.5 (m, 1H, C^(ab)—H), 1.11 (d, 3H, J=6.4 Hz, C^(1′)—CH₃) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 147.9 (d, J=18.2 Hz), 147.7 (d, J=18.2 Hz), 136.1 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 136.0 (d, J=13.1 Hz), 135.8 (d, J=13.1 Hz), 135.7 (d, J=13.1 Hz), 134.1-133.5 (m), 132.5 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 132.4 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 130.5, (d, J=13.1 Hz), 12 8.7-128.4 (m), 120.7 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 117.0, (d, J=12.1 Hz), 116.3 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 47.4, 39.6, 26.8, 22.4 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −21.9 ppm.

The tetrahydroquinoline product 7 may be converted into a compound of formula (I) by reaction with a suitable oxychlorophosphite using e.g. the method in Example 4(b).

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 8-Diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (3)

a) Synthesis of 8-Diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (4)

PhLi (0.56 mL, 1.8M in di-n-butyl ether, 1 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of 8-diphenylphoshinoquinoline (1) (156 mg, 0.5 mmol) in dry THF (5 mL) at −78° C. and the solution was stirred at 0° C. for 10 minutes. The solution was then cooled to −78° C., saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (10 mL) was added and the mixture was warmed to room temperature. Products were extracted with EtOAc, washed with water and saturated aqueous NaCl, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give 4 (196 mg) quantitatively as a yellow oil. ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.4-7.3 (m, 15H, Ph-H), 6.92 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C⁵—H), 6.69 (ddd, 1H, J=7.2, 6.0, 1.2 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.54 (t, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C⁶—H), 6.38 (d, 1H, J=9.6 Hz, C⁴—H), 5.64 (dd, 1H, J=10.0, 4.0 Hz, C³—H), 5.44 (bs, 1H, N¹—H), 5.15 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C²—H) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 146.5 (d, J=19.2 Hz), 145.1, 135.4 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 135.3 (d, J=7.1 Hz), 134.5, 133.7 (d, J=18.2 Hz), 133.6 (d, J=19.2 Hz), 133.4 (d, J=19.2 Hz), 127.3, 128.7-128.3 (m), 127.1, 126.0, 125.2, 124.5, 119.1, 117.1, 116.1 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 57.6 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −23.8 ppm.

b) Conversion of (4) to 8-Diphenylphosphinoyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (8)

Following the procedure described for the synthesis of compound 5,8-diphenylphosphino-2-methyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (4) (1.17 g, 3 mmol) was transformed into 8 (1.2 g) in 98% yield. ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.8-7.5 (m, 15H, Ph-H), 7.48 (bs, 1H, N¹—H), 7.03 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C⁵—H), 6.72 (ddd, 1H, J=9.2, 7.6, 1.2 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.51 (td, 1H, J=7.6, 2.8 Hz, C⁶—H), 6.40 (dt, 1H, J=10.0, 1.6 Hz, C⁴—H), 5.73 (ddd, 1H, J=10.0, 4.4, 2.0 Hz, C³—H), 5.60 (dd, 1H, J=3.6, 1.6 Hz, C²—H) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 148.2, 144.4, 132.0 (d, J=19.2 Hz), 131.9 (d, J=11.1 Hz), 131.2 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 131.1 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 131.0, 130.9, 129.7, 127.8, 127.6 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 127.5 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 126.2, 124.9, 124.7, 122.8, 119.1 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 114.0 (d, J=14.1 Hz), 108.3, 107.3, 56.0 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 34.9 ppm.

c) Conversion of (8) into 8-Diphenylphosphinoyl-2-phenyl-quinoline (9)

To a stirred solution of 8-diphenylphosphinoyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (8) (1.2 g, 2.95 mmol) in EtOAc (40 mL) was added Pd/C (1.2 g, 100 wt %) and the suspension was stirred overnight at room temperature. The mixture was then filtered over celite and evaporated to give 9 (1.19 g) quantitatively as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.63 (dd, 1H, J=14.0, 7.2 Hz, C⁷—H), 8.16 (dd, 1H, J=8.8, 1.2 Hz, C⁵—H), 7.86 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, C³—H), 7.91 (dd, 4H, J=12.4, 7.2 Hz, Ph-H), 7.81 (dd, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C⁴—H), 7.65 (td, 1H, J=8.0, 2.0 Hz, C⁶—H), 7.5-7.2 (m, 11H, Ph-H) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 156.2, 147.4 (d, J=6.1 Hz), 138.4, 137.7 (d, J=7.1 Hz), 136.8, 134.3, 133.2, 132.2, 132.1, 131.9, 131.0, 129.3, 128.3, 128.0, 127.8, 127.4, 125.9, 125.7, 118.7 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 27.7 ppm.

d) Conversion of (9) into 8-Diphenylphosphinoyl-2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (10)

Following the procedure previously described for the synthesis of compound 6, 8-diphenylphosphinoyl-2-phenyl-quinoline (9) (50 mg, 0.12 mmol) was quantitatively transformed into compound 10 (51 mg). ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.8-7.4 (m, 10H, Ph-H), 7.09 (bs, 1H, N—H), 7.08 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz, C⁵—H), 7.2-7.0 (3H, m, Ph-H), 7.0-6.9 (m, 2H, Ph-H), 6.66 (ddd, 1H, J=14.4, 7.6, 1.2 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.47 (td, 1H, J=7.6, 3.2 Hz, C⁶—H), 4.57 (m, 1H, C²—H), 2.84 (m, 1H, C^(4a)—H), 2.63 (m, 1H, C^(4b)—H), 2.09 (m, 1H, C^(3a)—H), 1.84 (m, 1H, C^(3b)—H) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 149.4 (d, J=4.1 Hz), 144.5, 133.1, 132.8, 132.2-131-3 (m), 128.4, 128.2, 128.1, 126.7, 125.8, 121.8 (d, J=15.2 Hz), 114.3 (d, J=16.2 Hz), 109.8, 55.2, 29.7, 26.1 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 35.5 ppm; HPLC (DAICEL-CHIRAPAK-AD, Hexane:IPA 60:40, 1 mL/min, 25° C., 210 nm) τ₁=6.34, τ₂=8.91.

e) Conversion of (10) to 8-Diphenylphosphino-2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (3)

The product phosphine may be produced by treating compound (10) according to the method described for the conversion of compound (6) into compound (7).

The tetrahydroquinoline phosphine product may be converted into a compound of formula (I) by reaction with a suitable oxychlorophosphite using e.g. the method in Example 4(b).

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 8-Diphenylphosphino-2-naphthalen-1-yl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (14)

a) Synthesis of 8-Diphenylphosphino-2-naphthalen-1-yl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (11)

To a solution of 1-bromonaphthalene (8.57 mL, 60 mmol) in dry THF (100 mL) under nitrogen was added n-BuLi (37.5 mL, 1.6 M in hexanes, 60 mmol) at −78° C. and the solution was stirred for 30 minutes at −78° C. before adding 8-diphenylphoshinoquinoline (1) (9.4 g, 30 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 10 minutes the solution was again cooled down to −78° C., saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (10 mL) was added and the mixture was warmed to room temperature. Products were then extracted with EtOAc, washed with water and saturated aqueous NaCl, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give the 11 as a tan solid (13.0 g, 98%). ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.0-7.9 (m, 1H, C^(5′)—H), 7.8-7.7 (m, 1H, C^(8′)—H), 7.66 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C^(2′)—H), 7.5-7.3 (m, 2H, C^(6′/7′)—H), 7.36 (d, 1H, J=6.4 Hz, C^(4′)—H), 7.3-7.1 (m, 11H, C^(3′)—H/Ph-H), 6.86 (dd, 1H, J=7.2, 1.2 Hz, C⁵—H), 6.64 (ddd, 1H, J=8.0, 6.4, 1.6 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.48 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C⁶—H), 6.35 (dd, 1H, J=9.6, 1.6 Hz, C⁴—H), 6.16 (t, 1H, J=1.6 Hz, C²—H), 5.70 (ddd, 1H, J=10.0, 3.6, 1.6 Hz, C³—H), 5.02 (bd, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, N—H) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 146.6, 146.5, 139.8, 129.5, 128.7, 128.6, 128.5, 128.4, 128.3 (m), 127.7, 135.1 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 134.9 (d, J=7.1 Hz), 134.5 (d, J=5.1 Hz), 133.9, 133.5 (d, J=13.1 Hz), 133.3 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 126.2, 125.6, 125.3, 125.2, 124.8, 124.4, 122.5, 118.8, 117.1, 116.3, 54.0 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −23.1 ppm.

b) Conversion of (11) into 8-Diphenylphosphinoyl-2-naphthalen-1-yl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (12)

Following the procedure described for the synthesis of compound 5,8-diphenylphosphino-2-naphthale-1-yl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (11) (8.8 g, 20 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (60 mL) was oxidised with H₂O₂ (4.15 mL, 30% w/w in H₂O, 40 mmol) to give compound 12 (8.3 g) in 91% yield. ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.00 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C^(5′)—H), 7.83 (dd, 1H, J=7.6, 2.0 Hz, C^(8′)—H), 7.7-7.6 (m, 3H, C^(2′)—H/Ph-H), 7.6-7.5 (m, 3H, Ph-H), 7.5-7.4 (m, 5H, C^(6′/7′)—H/Ph-H), 7.4-7.3 (m, 2H, Ph-H), 7.29 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C^(4′)—H), 7.19 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C^(3′)—H), 6.96 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C⁵—H), 6.64 (ddd, 1H, J=13.6, 7.6, 1.2 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.44 (td, 1H, J=7.2, 2.8 Hz, C⁶—H), 6.34 (dt, 1H, J=10.0, 1.6 Hz, C⁴—H), 6.32 (t, 1H, J=1.6 Hz, C²—H), 5.78 (dd, 1H, J=10.0, 4.0 Hz, C³—H) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 148.3, 148.2, 139.2, 132.9, 131.9 (d, J=11.1 Hz), 131.8 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 131.2 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 130.9 (d, J=9.1 Hz), 130.7, 129.8, 128.4, 127.8, 127.5 (d, J 12.1), 127.3 (d J 12.1), 126.6, 125.3, 124.7, 124.5, 123.8, 123.7, 123.4, 121.5, 121.5, 118.9, 114.2, 114.0, 108.9, 107.8, 52.6 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ +35.2 ppm.

c) Conversion of (12) into 8-Diphenylphosphinoyl-2-naphthalen-1-yl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (13)

Following the procedure previously described for the synthesis of compound 6, 8-diphenylphosphinoyl-2-naphthalen-1-yl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (12) (8.3 g, 18.2 mmol) was quantitatively transformed into compound 13 (8.3 g). ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.0-9.9 (m, 1H, C^(5′)—H), 7.9-7.8 (m, 1H, C^(8′)—H), 7.8-7.6 (m, 5H, C^(3′)/C^(6′/7′)—H/Ph-H), 7.7-7.4 (m, 8H, Ph-H), 7.23 (bs, 1H, N—H), 7.18 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C⁵—H), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C^(2′)—H), 7.06 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C^(4′)—H), 6.71 (ddd, 1H, J=14.4, 8.0, 1.2 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.51 (td, 1H, J=7.2, 2.4 Hz, C⁶—H), 6.41 (t, 1H, J=1.6 HZ, C²—H), 2.9-2.8 (m, 1H, C^(4a)—H), 2.7-2.6 (m, 1H, C^(4b)—H), 2.3-2.2 (m, 1H, C^(3a)—H), 2.0-1.9 (m, 1H, C^(3b)—H) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 149.8, 149.7, 139.6, 133.7, 133.3, 132.9, 132.8, 132.1 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 131.8 (d, J=8.0 Hz), 131.7 (d, J=7.1 Hz), 131.5 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 130.0, 128.8, 128.3 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 127.2, 125.8, 125.4, 125.2, 123.40, 122.4, 121.6 (d, J=8.1 Hz), 133.4, 133.3, 110.9, 109.9, 51.5, 27.8, 25.9 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ +34.6 ppm; HPLC (DAICEL-CHIRAPAK-AD, Hexane:IPA 60:40, 1 mL/min, 25° C., 210 nm) τ₁=7.23, τ₂=14.6.

d) Conversion of (13) into 8-Diphenylphosphino-2-naphthalen-1-yl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (14)

Following the procedure described for compound 7,8-diphenylphosphinoyl-2-naphthalen-1-yl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (13) (8.3 g, 18.1 mmol) was reduced to give compound 14 (5.0 g) as a white solid in 62% yield. ¹H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.89 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C^(5′)—H), 7.73 (d, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C^(8′)—H), 7.61 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C^(2′)—H), 7.4-7.2 (m, 12H, C^(6′/7′)—H/Ph-H), 7.17 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C^(3′)—H), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=6.0 Hz, C^(4′)—H), 6.94 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C⁵—H), 6.61 (td, 1H, J=7.2, 1.6 Hz, C⁷—H), 6.50 (t, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C⁶—H), 5.21 (dd, 1H, J=6.8, 2.4 Hz, C²—H), 4.99 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, N—H), 2.9-2.8 (m, 1H, C^(4a)—H), 2.62 (m, 1H, C^(4b)—H), 2.3-2.1 (m, 1H, C^(3a)—H), 2.0-1.9 (m, 1H, C^(3b)—H) ppm; ¹³C NMR (100.61 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 147.4, 147.2, 139.7, 135.5 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 135.4 (d, J=11.1 Hz), 133.9, 133.8, 133.6 (d, J=13.1 Hz), 132.2, 130.2 (d, J=15.1 Hz), 128.8 (d, J=11.1 Hz), 128.6, 128.5, 128.4, 127.4, 125.9, 125.4 (d, J=13.1 Hz), 123.3, 122.5, 120.3, 117.6, 116.4, 52.2, 28.7, 26.3 ppm; ³¹P NMR (161.97 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −21.3 ppm.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of (R_(a),S_(c))-3,4-dihydro-(1-naphthyl)-QUINAPHOS 17

a) Synthesis of (R)- and (S)-2,2′binaphthyl-1,1′-oxychlorophosphite

A suspension of (R)- or (S)-2,2′-binaphthyl (8.6 g, 30 mmol) and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (0.001 g, 0.01 mmol) in PCl₃ (26 mL, 300 mmol) was warmed to 75° C. and then stirred for 5 mins. Excess PCl₃ was removed under reduced pressure and then final traces removed by azeotropic distillation with toluene (3×10 mL) in vacuo. Products obtained as white solids and were taken forward as solutions in toluene.

b) Conversion of (14) to (R_(a)S_(c))-3,4-dihydro-(1-naphthyl)-QUINAPHOS 17

To a solution of 8-diphenylphosphino-2-(1-naphthyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline 14 (1.858 mmol, 824 mg) in dry THF (20 mL) under Ar, phenyllithium (1 eq, c=1.84 mol/L in di-n-butylether/Cyclohexane, 1.01 mL) was added at −20° C. and the resulting solution was stirred for 1 h at the same temperature. (R)-1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-dioxychlorophosphite (1 eq, c=0.5 mol/L in toluene, 3.72 mL) was then added and the resulting mixture was slowly allowed to warm to RT and stirred for an additional hour. After removal of the volatiles under vacuum, the residue was re-crystallised from dry toluene (18 mL) adding dry ethanol (24 mL). After removal of the mother liquor the title compound was obtained as a white solid (696.7 mg) with a diastereomeric purity of 95:5 R_(a),S_(c):R_(a),R_(c). A second re-crystallisation from toluene (19 mL) ethanol (15 mL) yielded diastereomerically pure (R_(a),S_(c))-17 (368.8 mg, 26%). ¹H NMR (600.07 MHz, CDCl₃, 296 K) δ 8.25 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.79 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.52 (m, 4H), 7.49-7.35 (m, 9H), 7.35-7.25 (m, 9H), 7.16-7.10 (m, 1H), 7.06-6.98 (m, 2H), 6.16 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.11 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 5.65 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.20-3.09 (m, 1H), 2.82-2.73 (m, 1H), 2.68-2.59 (m, 1H), 1.66-1.55 (m, 1H) ppm. ³¹P NMR (242.91 MHz, CDCl₃, 296 K) δ 138.2 (d, J=184.9 Hz, P(O)₂N), −19.9 (d, J=184.9 Hz, PPh₂) ppm.

EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of [Rh(cod)(PP*)][BF₄],PP*≡(R_(a),S_(c))-3,4-Dihydro-(1-Nph)-QUINAPHOS 18

To a stirred solution of (2,4-acetylacetonato)-1,5-cyclooctadien-rhodium(1) (149.2 μmol, 46.3 mg) in dry THF (6 mL) under Ar, HBF₄.Et₂O (179 μmol, 25 μL, 1.2 eq) was added. After stirring for 10 min, a solution of (R_(a),S_(c))-17 (149.2 μmol) in THF (7 mL) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 30 min and the solution was concentrated under vacuum (ca. 5 mL). By adding dry pentane (15 mL) a yellow solid precipitated which was collected and dried under vacuum (148.8 mg). This solid was re-crystallised from CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL)/diethylether (25 mL) in order to remove occluded THF molecules. The title compound was obtained as a yellow solid (94.3 mg, 60%). ³¹P NMR (121.28 MHz, CDCl₃, 300 K) δ 137.8 (dd, J=251.0 Hz, J=68.2 Hz, P(O)₂N), 23.5 (dd, J=136.6 Hz, J=68.2 Hz, PPh₂) ppm.

EXAMPLE 6 Asymmetric Hydrogenation with 18

In a Ar-flushed stainless steel autoclave 1 mL of a stock solution of the substrate (1 M, 1 mmol) and 1 mL of a stock solution of [Rh(cod)(18)][BF₄] (1 mM, 1 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ were introduced. The autoclave was pressurised with H₂ (30 bar) and the stirrer was switched on. After the reaction time given in the table, the autoclave was vented and the reaction mixture analyzed by GC. The results were as follows;

Sub- strate

Prod- uct

conv. >99 >99 [%] t [min] 5 3 Sub/ 1000 1000 Rh ee [%] >99 (S) >99 (R) TOF >12000 >15000 [h⁻¹] 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of making a chiral phosphorus compound of formula (X):

wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain, branched-chain or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic groups and in which the pair R¹/R² may be interconnected to form a ring; wherein the method comprises selectively hydrogenating a compound of formula (IV) to hydrogenate the carbon-carbon double bond in the dihydroquinoline ring


2. The method according to claim 1, wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, hexyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n) where m=1-10 and, n=0-4, cyclohexyl, menthyl, allyl, benzyl, —CH₂O(CH₂)₂OCH₃, phenyl, tolyl, anisyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n)C₆H₄— where m=1-10 and n=0-4, bis(tri-fluoromethyl)phenyl, chlorophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, hydroxyphenyl, carboxyphenyl, NaO₃SC₆H₄—, naphthyl, fluorenyl, pyridyl and furyl.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² are interconnected to form substituted or unsubstituted chiral or achiral bridges which are derived from the skeletons —(CH₂)_(n)— where n=2-4, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)—, 1,1′-bipheny-2,2′-diyl or 1,1′-binaphth-2,2′-diyl.
 4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the compound of formula (IV) is prepared by steps comprising: (i) alkylating a compound of formula (II) with a nucleophilic reagent R³M to form compounds of formula (III), and (ii) hydrolysing the compounds of formula (III)


5. The method according to claim 2 wherein the compound of formula (IV) is prepared by steps comprising: (i) enantioselectively alkylating a compound of formula (II) with a nucleophilic chiral reagent R³M or with a nucleophilic reagent R³M in the presence of a chiral auxiliary or catalyst and then (ii) treating the reaction product with aqueous acid to form enantioenriched compounds (IVa) or (IVb)


6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the compound of formula (IV) is prepared by steps comprising: (i) alkylating a compound of formula (VII) in which X is a group selected from bromide, chloride, iodide, hydroxy, alkoxy, tosylate, mesylate, nonaflate, fluoride or triflate with a nucleophilic reagent R³M and then hydrolysing the reaction product to form a compound of formula (VIII) and (ii) reacting the compound of formula (VIII) with a phosphorylating compound


7. The method according to claim 4 wherein the compound of formula (IV) is prepared by steps comprising: (i) enantioselectively alkylating a compound of formula (VII) with a nucleophilic chiral reagent R³M or with a nucleophilic reagent R³M in the presence of a chiral auxiliary or catalyst and then treating the reaction product with aqueous acid to form enantiomerically enriched compounds (VIIIa) or (VIIIb), and (ii) reacting the compound (VIIIa) or (VIIb) with a phosphorylating compound


8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the compound of formula (IV) is prepared by steps comprising: (i) performing a ring closing metathesis of compounds of formula (XXVIIIb) or (XXVIIIa) to form compounds (XXIXb) or (XXIXa), respectively, and (ii) cleaving the tosyl groups to form compounds (IVb) or (IVa)


9. A method of making a chiral phosphorus compound of formula (X):

wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain, branched-chain or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic groups and in which the pair R¹/R² may be interconnected to form a ring; wherein the method comprises: (i) selectively hydrogenating a compound of formula (VIII), in which X is a group selected from bromide, chloride, iodide, hydroxy, alkoxy, tosylate, mesylate, nonaflate, fluoride or triflate, to hydrogenate the carbon-carbon double bond in the dihydroquinoline ring to form a compound of formula (IX), and (ii) phosphorylating the compound of formula (IX) with a phosphorylating compound


10. The method according to claim 9, wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, hexyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n) where m=1-10 and, n=0-4, cyclohexyl, menthyl, allyl, benzyl, —CH₂O(CH₂)₂OCH₃, phenyl, tolyl, anisyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n)C₆H₄— where m=1-10 and n=0-4, bis(tri-fluoromethyl)phenyl, chlorophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, hydroxyphenyl, carboxyphenyl, NaO₃SC₆H₄—, naphthyl, fluorenyl, pyridyl and furyl.
 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein R¹ and R² are interconnected to form substituted or unsubstituted chiral or achiral bridges which are derived from the skeletons —(CH₂)_(n)— where n=2-4, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)—, 1,1′-bipheny-2,2′-diyl or 1,1′-binaphth-2,2′-diyl.
 12. The method according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula (VIII) is prepared by steps comprising: (i) reacting an aniline compound of formula (XIII) in which X is a group selected from bromide, chloride, iodide, hydroxy, alkoxy, tosylate, mesylate, nonaflate, fluoride or triflate, with a carboxylic acid, ester or chloride of formula R⁷OCHR³CH₂COOR⁶ in which R⁶ is H, Cl or C1-C10 alkyl and R⁷ is C1-C10 alkyl, Tosyl, Mesyl, Triflate, Acetyl, H or a silyl protecting group, to give compounds (XIV), (ii) cyclising the compounds (XIV) to give ketones (XV), (iii) reducing the ketones (XV) to give alcohol compounds (XVI), and (iv) dehydrating the alcohol compounds (XVI)


13. The method according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula (VIII) is prepared by steps comprising: (i) performing a ring closing metathesis of compounds of formula (XXVb) or (XXVa) to form compounds (XXVIb) or (XXVIa), respectively, and (ii) cleaving the tosyl groups to form compounds (VIIIb) or (VIIIa)


14. A method of making a chiral phosphorus compound of formula (X):

wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain, branched-chain or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic groups and in which the pair R¹/R² may be interconnected to form a ring; wherein the compound (X) is prepared in enantiomerically enriched form (Xa) or (Xb) by asymmetrically hydrogenating a compound of formula (XII) in the presence of a homogeneous transition metal hydrogenation catalyst having one or more chiral ligands


15. The method according to claim 14, wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, hexyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n) where m=1-10 and, n=0-4, cyclohexyl, menthyl, allyl, benzyl, —CH₂O(CH₂)₂OCH₃, phenyl, tolyl, anisyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n)C₆H₄— where m=1-10 and n=0-4, bis(tri-fluoromethyl)phenyl, chlorophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, hydroxyphenyl, carboxyphenyl, NaO₃SC₆H₄—, naphthyl, fluorenyl, pyridyl and furyl.
 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein R¹ and R² are interconnected to form substituted or unsubstituted chiral or achiral bridges which are derived from the skeletons —(CH₂)_(n)— where n=2-4, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)—, 1,1′-bipheny-2,2′-diyl or 1,1′-binaphth-2,2′-diyl.
 17. A method of making a chiral phosphorus compound of formula (X):

wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain, branched-chain or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic groups and in which the pair R¹/R² may be interconnected to form a ring; wherein the compound (X) is prepared in enantiomerically enriched form (Xa) or (Xb) by steps comprising: (i) asymmetrically hydrogenating a compound of formula (XI), in which X is a group selected from bromide, chloride, iodide, hydroxy, alkoxy, tosylate, mesylate, nonaflate, fluoride or triflate, in the presence of a homogeneous transition metal hydrogenation catalyst having one or more chiral ligand to produce enantiomerically enriched intermediates (IXa) or (IXb), and (ii) reacting compound (IXa) or (IXb) with a phosphorylating compound


18. The method according to claim 17, wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, hexyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n) where m=1-10 and, n=0-4, cyclohexyl, menthyl, allyl, benzyl, —CH₂O(CH₂)₂OCH₃, phenyl, tolyl, anisyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n)C₆H₄— where m=1-10 and n=0-4, bis(tri-fluoromethyl)phenyl, chlorophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, hydroxyphenyl, carboxyphenyl, NaO₃SC₆H₄—, naphthyl, fluorenyl, pyridyl and furyl.
 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein R¹ and R² interconnected to form substituted or unsubstituted chiral or achiral bridges which are derived from the skeletons —(CH₂)_(n)— where n=2-4, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)—, 1,1′-bipheny-2,2′-diyl or 1,1′-binaphth-2,2′-diyl.
 20. A method of making a chiral phosphorus compound of formula (X):

wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain, branched-chain or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic groups and in which the pair R¹/R² may be interconnected to form a ring; wherein the compound (X) is prepared in enantiomerically enriched form (Xa) or (Xb) by steps comprising hydrogenating a ketone compound of formula (XXII)


21. The method according to claim 20, wherein R¹, R², R³ are chiral or achiral groups selected from the list consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, hexyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n) where m=1-10 and, n=0-4, cyclohexyl, menthyl, allyl, benzyl, —CH₂O(CH₂)₂OCH₃, phenyl, tolyl, anisyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, F(CF₂)_(m)(CH₂)_(n)C₆H₄— where m=1-10 and n=0-4, bis(tri-fluoromethyl)phenyl, chlorophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, hydroxyphenyl, carboxyphenyl, NaO₃SC₆H₄—, naphthyl, fluorenyl, pyridyl and furyl.
 22. The method according to claim 20, wherein R¹ and R² are interconnected to form substituted or unsubstituted chiral or achiral bridges which are derived from the skeletons —(CH₂)_(n)— where n=2-4, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)—, 1,1′-bipheny-2,2′-diyl or 1,1′-binaphth-2,2′-diyl.
 23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the ketone compound of formula (XXII) is prepared by steps comprising: (i) reacting a phosphine of formula (XX) in which Y is selected from fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, tosyl, mesyl, triflate, or nonaflate, with a chiral amine of formula H₂NCH(CH₃)Ar, in which Ar is an aryl group, to form chiral compound of formula (XXI), and (ii) reacting the chiral compound (XXI) with an unsaturated carboxylic acid, ester or chloride of formula R³CH═CHCOOR⁶ in which R⁶ is H, Cl or C1-10 alkyl


24. The method according to claim 20, wherein the ketone compound of formula (XXII) is prepared by steps comprising: (i) reacting a substituted phenyl compound of formula (XVII) in which X and Y are selected from fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, tosyl, mesyl, triflate, or nonaflate, with a chiral amine of formula H₂NCH(CH₃)Ar, in which Ar is an aryl group, to form chiral compound (XVIII), (ii) reacting the chiral compound (XVIII) with an unsaturated carboxylic acid, ester or chloride of formula R³CH═CHCOOR⁶ in which R⁶ is H, Cl or C1-10 alkyl, to form a ketone of formula (XIX), and (iii) reacting the ketone (XIX) with a phosphorylating compound 